Transatlantic Flight London to Tokyo - Pigs in Cargo

[MoruMum]

Hi,
I’m currently doing a lot of research as I’m in the middle of a job interview process that, if successful, will require relocating from the UK to Japan.

I have two lovely, bonded guinea pigs (around 4 years old) who are very dear to us. I’m trying to decide whether it’s possible and safe to take them with us or if it might be better to find them a loving new home instead.

The flight is just under 14 hours, which is very long, and they would need to travel in the cargo hold. I’ve read about experiences with international flights lasting 8 hours, but 14 hours seems like a much longer journey. If we decide to fly, it would likely be at the end of June.

Does anyone have experience with a similar situation or any advice to share? I’d really appreciate your insights.

Thanks so much!

 

[CTWC]

Hi there I'm no expert I'm sure one will be along soon. My suggestion although it could be wrong so do check would be to do two or even three smaller/shorter flights perhaps.

 

[Roselina]

Hello great you are doing your research - I’d be inclined if you get the job, to rehome the guinea pigs
I believe the cargo hold is unheated and stowaways have died from cold hiding in a cargo hold - altho I believe the pilot can turn on heating - I think 14 hours is too long to have the piggies unattended - you will have time to find a loving home for them - that decision would be made out of love

 

[JessikaD]

HI-- First of all, I must tell you that my airline experience is with a dachshund rather than guinea pigs. However, perhaps my experience could be helpful. Over ten years, I made 10 round trips on American, and then on United, for a three month stay between Chicago, IL USA, and San Jose, Costa Rica with my 12 lb miniature dachshund. She traveled with me on my reservation in an approved soft-sided underseat carrier under the passenger seat. in front of me. For this, I needed a veterinary health certificate with a stamp from USDA (approx $80 vet + $35 USDA) and the airline charged me an additional $125USD each way to put the carrier under the seat in front of me. I made it clear my dog was a paying customer, not 'an emotional support animal.' The flight was a total of 8 hrs in the air, not including approx a 2 hour layover to change planes. So, a long travel day and costl , but my dog was with me the entire time and everything went fine. Hope this helps!